How to Create an Accessible and Stylish Bathroom

Creating a bathroom that’s accessible shouldn’t mean compromising on style. In our experience, the best results come when function and aesthetics work hand in hand – creating a space that’s easy to use, safe, and still visually cohesive. Whether you’re planning ahead for future needs, adapting for a specific condition, or creating a multi-generational family home, it’s entirely possible to design a bathroom that’s both practical and beautiful.

We’ve worked with clients across a wide range of needs – from those looking to improve daily routines with better layout and grip, to families creating shared spaces for elderly relatives. Often, the first concern is that accessible features will look clinical or out of place, but we’ve seen just how much things have evolved. With the right design choices, you can integrate accessibility in a way that feels seamless, comfortable, and visually appealing.

This guide is based on our experience fitting accessible bathrooms in real homes, and it covers the features, finishes, and layout considerations that help achieve that balance. Whether you’re making small updates or planning a full renovation, we’ve put together everything we’ve learned to help you create a space that supports ease of use without sacrificing your style.

Start with the Right Layout

Good layout is essential for any bathroom, but especially so when accessibility is a focus. We always start by looking at how someone will move through the space – whether that’s on foot, with a walking aid, or in a wheelchair. The clearer the path, the more confidence and comfort it brings.

We typically recommend generous turning space around key features – the toilet, basin and shower – and where needed, slightly wider doorways. For clients with mobility needs, we also plan for a level-access shower instead of a step-in tray, and we avoid awkward corners or tight gaps between units.

Even if you’re not making major changes now, thinking ahead when it comes to layout can make future adaptations much simpler. It’s something we’ve discussed with many clients during our bathroom planning sessions, particularly those preparing their homes to be more supportive in later life.

Opt for a Walk-In or Wet Room Style Shower

Showers are a key consideration in accessible design. We often recommend walk-in enclosures or full wet rooms for maximum flexibility – especially if the space is being futureproofed or used by someone with limited mobility. A level threshold removes the trip hazard, and eliminates the need to step over a raised edge.

We’ve installed a number of wet rooms with integrated drains and slip-resistant flooring that still look smart. These work particularly well with large-format tiles or vinyl-style finishes that create a clean, modern aesthetic. Frameless glass panels or half-height shower screens can also keep the room feeling open while still providing necessary splash protection.

You’ll find plenty of layout inspiration in our Small Bathroom Design Ideas blog, including smart ways to open up the space visually without losing essential features.

Choose Supportive Fixtures That Blend In

Grab rails, fold-down seats and support bars don’t have to look clinical – there are now many options on the market that blend with contemporary or classic design schemes. We often supply and fit rails in finishes that match other fittings in the bathroom, such as brushed stainless steel or black powder-coated versions that feel more intentional than the standard white.

Fold-down shower seats can also be designed to tuck away neatly when not in use, and many now come with cushioned, wipe-clean finishes. We’ve found that placing support features in areas people naturally reach – beside the toilet, within the shower, and near the basin – not only improves safety but adds to overall comfort and ease.

Another feature that can make a real difference is a smart shower toilet. These are becoming increasingly popular for clients looking to future-proof their bathrooms or support independent living. Products like the VitrA V-Care combine a toilet with a built-in bidet, offering hands-free washing and drying for better hygiene and ease of use. They’re a discreet but powerful addition that adds privacy and confidence – particularly helpful for users with limited mobility.

This is something we’ve helped clients plan carefully during the consultation process. With experience in both layout and product selection, we can help you decide which features are needed now and what can be added later if requirements change.

Prioritise Flooring That’s Safe and Stylish

Flooring is another area where style and safety need to meet. Slippery surfaces can pose a real risk, so we always recommend slip-resistant options – but that doesn’t mean your choices are limited. Modern vinyls, textured porcelain tiles and even certain natural stone finishes are all available with anti-slip ratings.

We regularly install flooring with a subtle grip that feels stable underfoot, even when wet. In one recent project, we used textured grey tiles with a brushed finish – paired with underfloor heating – to achieve both comfort and safety. These kinds of surfaces are ideal for walk-in showers or wet rooms where water exposure is constant.

If you are looking for a warmer feel, wood-effect slip-resistant tiles or non-slip LVT (luxury vinyl tile) are increasingly popular and work well across both contemporary and more traditional bathroom styles.

Go for Comfort-Height Toilets and Easy-Use Controls

Standard toilets can be too low for some users, making it difficult to sit down or stand up easily. We frequently recommend comfort-height toilets, which sit a little higher than usual and offer more support for knees and joints. They’re widely available in both modern and traditional styles, and we can help match them to your chosen basin and furniture for a cohesive look.

We also suggest mixer taps with lever handles or sensor-operated controls for easier use. These are ideal for those with limited grip strength or arthritis. Thermostatic shower controls are another practical choice – maintaining a steady water temperature and preventing accidental scalding, which is especially important in shared family bathrooms.

These updates are subtle but can make a huge difference to everyday experience. Many of the manufacturers we work with now offer accessible ranges that don’t feel like medical equipment – and that’s made a huge difference in how confident clients feel when making these choices.

Light the Space Thoughtfully

Lighting plays a bigger role in accessibility than many people realise. Poor lighting can increase the risk of slips and falls, while good lighting improves visibility, contrast and ease of use. We always recommend layering light sources – ambient ceiling lighting, focused task lighting around mirrors, and perhaps low-level night lighting for easier navigation in the dark.

Using lighting to support wellbeing has been a growing request from our clients, and we covered more on that in our blog about Bathroom Feng Shui and Positive Flow, where light and mood go hand in hand.

Use Colour, Contrast and Texture to Aid Navigation

Accessibility isn’t only about physical supports – it’s also about visual clarity. Choosing colours that contrast between walls, floors, and fixtures can help with spatial awareness. For example, using a darker worktop under a light basin, or fitting grab bars in a finish that stands out subtly from the tiles, helps users identify them more easily.

We’ve also used texture to guide movement in a few projects – such as subtly ribbed flooring or vertical tile patterns near key touchpoints. These small design elements can offer quiet guidance and reassurance without being overt.

Final Thoughts

An accessible bathroom doesn’t need to feel clinical or compromise on design. With the right layout, product choices and thoughtful planning, you can create a space that’s safe, stylish and enjoyable to use every day. From walk-in showers and comfort-height toilets to slip-resistant flooring and elegant grab rails, there are more options than ever to help support comfort, independence and dignity at home.

If you’re thinking about adapting your space, or planning ahead for future needs, our experienced team is here to help. We’ve designed and fitted accessible bathrooms across Dorset and beyond, combining practical knowledge with genuine understanding of what works day-to-day.

For more inspiration on how we work, visit our Bathroom Ideas hub – or pop into the showroom to talk through your project with us in person.